Authors of Greece | Page 8

foreshadows the intervention which was later to bring
Achilles himself back into the conflict.
The Trojan host after an attempt to drive their horses over the trench
stormed it in five bodies. As they streamed towards the wall, an omen
of a doubtful nature filled Polydamas with some misgivings about the
wisdom of bursting through to the sea. It was possible that they might
be routed and that they would accordingly be caught in a trap, leaving
many of their dead behind them. His advice to remain content with the
success they had won roused the anger of Hector, whose headstrong
character is well portrayed in his speech.
"Thou biddest me consider long-winged birds, whereof I reck not nor
care for them whether they speed to right or left. Let us obey the
counsel of Zeus. One omen is the best, to fight for our country. Why
dost thou dread war and tumult? Even if all we others were slain at the
ships, there is no fear that thou wilt perish, for thy heart cannot
withstand the foe and is not warlike. But if thou holdest from the fight
or turnest another from war, straightway shalt thou lose thy life under
the blow of my spear."
Thus encouraged the army pressed forward, the walls being pierced by
the Lycian King Sarpedon, a son of Zeus. Taking up a mighty stone,
Hector broke open the gate and led his men forward to the final
onslaught on the ships.
For a brief space Zeus turned his eyes away from the conflict and
Poseidon used the opportunity to help the Greeks. Idomeneus the
Cretan and his henchman Meriones greatly distinguished themselves,
the former drawing a very vivid picture of the brave man.
"I know what courage is. Would that all the bravest of us were being
chosen for an ambush, wherein a man's bravery is most manifest. In it
the coward and the courageous man chiefliest appear. The colour of the
one changeth and his spirit cannot be schooled to remain stedfast, but
he shifteth his body, settling now on this foot now on that; his heart
beateth mightily, knocking against his breast as he bodeth death, and

his teeth chatter. But the good man's colour changeth not, nor is he
overmuch afraid when once he sitteth in his place of ambush; rather he
prayeth to join speedily in the dolorous battle."
Yet soon Idomeneus' strength left him; Hector hurried to the centre of
the attack, where he confronted Ajax.
At this point Hera determined to prolong the intervention of Poseidon
in favour of the Greeks. She persuaded Aphrodite to lend her all her
spells of beauty on the pretence that she wished to reconcile Ocean to
his wife Tethys. Armed with the goddess' girdle, she lulled Zeus to
sleep and then sent a message to Poseidon to give the Greeks his
heartiest assistance. Inspired by him the fugitives turned on their
pursuers; when Ajax smote down Hector with a stone the Trojans were
hurled in flight back through the gate and across the ramparts.
When Zeus awakened out of slumber and saw the rout of the Trojans,
his first impulse was to punish Hera for her deceit. He then restored the
situation, bidding Poseidon retire and sending Apollo to recover Hector
of his wound. The tide speedily turned again; the Trojans rushed
through the rampart and down to the outer line of the Greek ships,
where they found nobody to resist them except the giant Ajax and his
brother Teucer. After a desperate fight in which Ajax single-handed
saved the fleet, Hector succeeded in grasping the ship of Protesilaus
and called loud for fire. This was the greatest measure of success
vouchsafed him; from this point onwards the balance was redressed in
favour of the Greeks.
Achilles had been watching the anguish of Patroclus' spirit when this
disaster came upon their friends.
"Why weepest thou, Patroclus, like some prattling little child who
runneth to her mother and biddeth her take her up, catching at her
garment and checking her movement and gazing at her tearfully till she
lifteth her? Even so thou lettest fall the big tears."
Patroclus begged his friend to allow him to wear his armour and lead
the Myrmidons out to battle, not knowing that he was entreating for his
own ruin and death. After some reluctance Achilles gave him leave, yet
with the strictest orders not to pursue too far. Fresh and eager for the
battle the Myrmidons drove the Trojans back into the plain. Patroclus'
course was challenged by the Lycians, whose King Sarpedon faced him
in single combat. In great sorrow Zeus watched his son Sarpedon go to

his doom; in his agony he shed tear-drops of blood and ordered Death
and Sleep to carry the body back